KFON Gets National License to Offer Internet Services Across India

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's public sector internet initiative, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON), has received the ISP Category A (Internet Service Provider Category A) license, allowing it to provide broadband internet services across the country. With this license, KFON is now authorised to expand its operations beyond Kerala, establishing infrastructure in other states and partnering with major internet service providers to deliver connectivity nationwide.
KFON was launched by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government with the aim of ensuring internet access for all. The project prioritises free internet connections for families living below the poverty line, while offering low-cost internet to others. A wide-reaching fibre optic infrastructure was set up as part of this effort.
Currently, KFON holds one of the largest broadband networks in the country, with 31,153 kilometers of fibre optic cable already laid. In addition to the latest Category A license, KFON had earlier secured the ISP license, IP Infrastructure license, and NLD (National Long Distance) license.
Within Kerala, KFON has so far provided 1,07,328 internet connections. These include 14,151 connections to BPL households, 67,097 connections to other residential homes, and 23,163 to government offices.
KFON Managing Director Dr. Santhosh Babu said the new national-level license marks a key milestone in the project’s growth. The expansion outside Kerala is expected to strengthen public sector participation in India’s digital infrastructure and help bridge the digital divide.